STRATFORD went down to East Gippsland football ladder leader Paynesville by three goals on Saturday.
In an improved effort on last week when it went down to Lucknow by 51 points, Stratford was left to rue a slow start before working its way back into the contest.
The Seagulls booted five goals in the first quarter to take a four-goal lead into the first change before the Swans hit back in the second term, restricting Paynesville to just one behind to narrow the gap to four points in a low scoring first half.
The match opened up after half time, with both sides kicking 3.1 in the third quarter to set up an exciting finish.
The Gulls kicked clear in the final term, booting four goals to two, to retain top spot on the East Gippsland ladder.
Josh Kiss and Nathan French booted five goals between them for the Swans, while Patrick Goodman, Gavin Bickery, Lewis Bolton and Luke Clohesy were other good contributors.
AN improved Lucknow side stormed home to score a five-point win over Lakes Entrance.
The Seagulls gradually increased its lead to take a 20-point break into the final change before the Magpies stormed home in the final term, booting seven goals to three to pinch a narrow five point win in a thrilling finish.
Brad Paris booted another bag of five for Lucknow while Gerard Kennedy proved to be the focal point for Lakes Entrance, also booting five goals.
AN 11-goal first half set up Wy Yung’s comfortable 55-point win over Orbost-Snowy Rovers.
The Tigers booted seven goals in the opening term to take a 26 point lead into the first change and from this point on were never headed.
Matt Counahan booted five goals for the Tigers.
